Time flies! Can you believe that the start of summer begins this weekend with Memorial Day?
Usually, summer is a great time to rest, but it is also a great time to cultivate our spiritual life with the Lord. Here is a start to our summer reflections on our spiritual journey with Jesus:

IN WORD We don’t try to drive our cars in the water and we don’t try to speed our boats down the highway. Why? That’s not what they were made for. So why do we use ourselves for purposes we were not made for? Why, when we were created to be entirely preoccupied with our Creator, do we become entirely preoccupied with ourselves? This does damage to our minds, and our minds affect our bodies. Our thoughts become distorted, our bodies become sick, and we end up a mess. A self-absorbed mess.
We are misplaced vehicles on the wrong course. Do you believe that? Do you understand that we were created to be fascinated by, overwhelmed with, and enraptured in our Maker? The fallen mind avoids this at all costs.
We try to make a name for ourselves. We try to get in good with the right people. We read self-help books. We learn various philosophies and methods that will lead us to a better way of life. And it’s all about us.
God points us away from ourselves and toward Him. He is to be our vision, our passion, our love. So far-reaching is this principle that it can bring health to our bodies. When we align ourselves with our created purpose, we are like the perfect part in a precision machine. We can function without undue wear and tear. Or we’re like a beautiful piece of music played in the right key. We can perform without grating on everyone around us and depressing ourselves in the process.
IN DEED We place a high premium on good health. In a sick and fallen world, it is a valued commodity. We try to eat well, take our vitamins, select the right doctor, exercise often, and pray to avoid deadly diseases. But if we haven’t immersed our minds in reality—that God is our all in all—we haven’t taken the first step toward good health. Your mind has a profound effect on your physiology. Let it always be nourished by eternal truth. “Our only business is to love and delight ourselves in God.” – Brother Lawrence (in “Walking with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

Stress can have a major impact on one’s health. So can sadness, depression, and a poor outlook on life. One way to strengthen our immune system and improve the overall quality of life is to have a healthy relationship with Jesus.
As you prepare to enjoy more sunny weather and plan for vacations, be sure to also take time to cultivate spiritual rest. Renovare (www.renovare.org) has many resources to help us rest in Jesus. Consider listening to a podcast, reflect on a series of meditations, or sign up for a silent retreat this summer. Your soul – and your body – will thank you for it! Have a blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam